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SnooPaintings1565 t1_j9db6o1 wrote

We have a little bit of everything. We have the ocean, the mountains, countryside, medium-sized cities. And we get all four seasons (sometimes all in one day!)

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just_looking_aroun t1_j9dozlp wrote

The ocean and the mountains are the reason I chose Virginia, too. It's the closest thing in the US to my home country

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SnooPaintings1565 t1_j9dvw6j wrote

That’s awesome! Where are you from?

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just_looking_aroun t1_j9dvxvl wrote

Syria

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zen_compassion t1_j9f0v2y wrote

Not related, but if you have family and friends there still near the site of the earthquakes I am sorry for anything they may currently be going through. The lack of international assistance must be incredibly frustrating. I know "thoughts and prayers" can't do much of anything, but I hope they know they have not been forgotten.

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goodsam2 t1_j9f72vz wrote

This is actually what the Virginia is lover's is supposed to mean.

Virginia is for mountain lovers, Virginia is for beach lovers, Virginia is for wine lovers. It runs the gamut.

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9g98uh wrote

Thank you. All this time I really did not know that is what the motto stood for. They probably emphasized this when the motto was created, but I just didn't pay attention.

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Broke-Mandingo t1_j9h6n2c wrote

I’ve always heard is was about Virginia vs. Loving the court case. The first legal integrated marriage! I could be wrong though

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goodsam2 t1_j9hcoxu wrote

It was an ad campaign from like the 1970s.

The loving thing is possible but also loving doesn't really want to associate too much. Like some will mention that we should have a statue about loving and the family keeps saying no.

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Broke-Mandingo t1_j9i6as9 wrote

Yeah I looked it up and you are absolutely correct! Thanks for learning me something

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Vault804 t1_j9e22c7 wrote

I can’t resist the old Daniel Tosh joke: yeah I like seasons too. That’s why I live in a place that skips the shitty ones.

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phlipsidejdp t1_j9g6l1d wrote

Add in a general lack of snow (I'm in RVA) and this ticks all the boxes for me. My wife and I honeymooned in Williamsburg and have always talked about retiring in this region.

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choicebutts t1_j9daoos wrote

We rarely have terrifying natural disasters.

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icepick314 t1_j9f41no wrote

That one earthquake though...

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FearingEmu1 t1_j9gw9f0 wrote

I had just finished my senior year of high school when that happened, and one of my friends from HS told me he was on the lawnmower when the 'quake happened. He literally had no idea it happened until like an hour later (it was Powhatan, so we felt a pretty good tremor out that way). No idea how much it shook Henrico or Richmond tho.

My parents were devastated by the single lawn chair that had fallen over from the destruction.

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teknobable t1_j9h5wt0 wrote

I was in a bike shop so I was very aware when literally everything started rattling but I was definitely more confused than scared

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yourfriendkyle t1_j9ezs22 wrote

For real, it’s a reasonably temperate area, especially if you’re closer to the mountains

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[deleted] t1_j9dmfum wrote

[deleted]

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airquotesNotAtWork t1_j9dn06p wrote

All of these are usually worse in other parts of the country, natural disasters here are mid in both frequency and intensity

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Dead_Hours t1_j9dqstl wrote

As someone that experienced Isabel and Katrina I agree.

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threecolorless t1_j9f6dhw wrote

Agreed, it's nice for a worst case hurricane scenario to be "oh no, we lost power for a week and can't drive some roads due to trees/flooding" rather than "oh no, our entire community has been destroyed and several of our friends drowned"

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choicebutts t1_j9dnbl5 wrote

I've lived in Virginia most of my life and the weather here is nothing compared to Indiana's. A severe thunderstorm and tornado warning here is just a regular afternoon storm there. The thunderstorms in Indiana scared the living shit out of me. Winters there are absolutely brutal and seem to go on forever. Virginia is positively placid compared to the midwest.

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JustKatB t1_j9hm65y wrote

I've lived in lower Michigan and agree, storms here* are so mild.

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DeviantAnthro t1_j9f75zg wrote

The 30 years of weather I've experienced here can't compare to even that one night i got stuck in a storm in Kansas.

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I_AM_RVA t1_j9dac5i wrote

My favorite thing about Virginia is the “gini” part. Frankly I could do with out the Vir and the last a.

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parrisjd t1_j9dtlfd wrote

I feel like Virginia is a jack of all trades, master of none, and I find that appealing. Meaning - we don't have the highest mountains, the widest beaches, the best wine, the hottest summers, the coldest winters, etc. But we do have them all in one place, and they're pretty damn good.

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NormiiBoo t1_j9h36bj wrote

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

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Praying_Lotus t1_j9h16zg wrote

Remember, we have like 12 seasons. VA weather is chaotic af

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richardson_ra t1_j9ddene wrote

Not only do we have it all - beaches, mountains, cities, country, etc. you can pretty much get to any of those things in about 3-5 hours from anywhere in the state.

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LazeLinez t1_j9defhj wrote

You get a completely different environment if you drive a few miles in any direction here. Going 30 minutes east of Richmond will give you a totally different landscape than 30 minutes west of it.

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Live-Yogurtcloset-51 t1_j9dqbup wrote

“A little bit of everything.” That’s a good way to put it. After living out west for 5 years, I miss Virginia’s mild weather (except the humidity), plentiful trees and lush greenery, access to pretty good mountains and lots of water (beaches, lakes, streams), historical sites, interesting urban and rural areas, wineries, etc.

Virginia doesn’t really have the BEST of anything, but it has just enough of everything

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Stroinsk t1_j9euqr9 wrote

I would like to respectfully disagree. We have both the greatest amount and best historic sites.

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MissLauraCroft t1_j9ew8zp wrote

I grew up here, moved to a gorgeous tropical location for 15 years, and moved back. The things I appreciate most:

  • The trees. It’s so beautiful living in a forest and I never realized it until I came back.
  • Summer nights with the grassy smell and the chirping symphony.
  • Drivers are (usually) so kind and chill in central VA.
  • You get all 4 seasons very distinctly, but the winters are still mild and like somebody else commented, the relatively small number and size of natural disasters.
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jeb_hoge t1_j9day97 wrote

Virginia has a little of everything in terms of places to visit.

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Scoobs197 t1_j9dtyj0 wrote

It's for lovers.

I got yanked down to the Triangle, and am desperately trying to make my way back.

North Carolina is only good for beaches. I hate it here... Send weed.

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420Chopin t1_j9flfhu wrote

Is that true about NC? I went on a mountain biking trip to Brevard last year and it was amazing. Seemed like there was some good hiking as well.

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iinaytanii t1_j9g0rl9 wrote

Brevard/Asheville are great. Charlotte has its perks.

Raleigh/Durham “Triangle” is a vast suburban hellscape. It’s miles upon miles of 6 lane roads, stoplights, strip malls, and office parks. If you turned Microsoft Word into a city, it would be the triangle. It’s one of my least favorite cities I’ve ever been to in my life.

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LookoutRock t1_j9husrt wrote

I’m a Virginia boy to the bone, and I consider NC our “sister state” so…in the spirit of giving credit where it’s due, North Carolina’s beaches AND mountains are objectively bigger and badder. The Outer Banks has the best surfing on the eastern seaboard and NC has more 6,000+ foot peaks than any state east of the Rockies. Virginia’s Blue Ridge feels downright civilized in comparison. Virginia is so damned sweet and approachable, though, and we have the Shenandoah Valley. I’ve been to 45 states and “The Great Valley” is truly special. In his 1992 album opener “Into the Cornfields” Colin Hay (of ‘I come from the land down under’ fame) sings of driving through the American south on tour. “We’re in Virginia now, it’s beautiful and green, the hills and valleys and open skies, it’s the best we’ve ever seen.”

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Scoobs197 t1_j9g4190 wrote

Iinaytanii is right (and so are you). The mountains are nice, and North Carolina isn't the worst, but Virginia is much better.

I'm from Richmond (hence my being in this sub), and it's my preferred mid-sized city.

Raleigh/Durham is a vast suburban hellscape that will seemingly never stop growing. The people here are largely transplants because of the biotech industry. This causes it to feel very southern-in-name-only to me.

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9g7y1v wrote

I disagree. If you have not been to the Smokie Mtns area you have not seen the best of NC. It is probably a pretty good distance from the beach area though.

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Scoobs197 t1_j9gbmsp wrote

It is. The wife and I are planning to make our way out there in early summer.

My distain for NC is most concentrated to the "suburban hellscape of Raleigh/Durham".

I wasn't trying to start beef, but I will not apologize for saying that Virginia is better than North Carolina. It is.

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9h157k wrote

Haha. I'm not from NC, but I reaaaaaly love the Smokies. I have not been to Asheville, but I definitely recommend Maggie Valley, Cherokee, and Waynesville is a neat little town similar to a small Harrisonburg without the college. Gatlinburg is okay but very crowded and touristy as well as Pigeon Forge and traffic is a nightmare. I would only recommend going that way for all of the great nearby parks and scenic drives. Definitely recommend Clingmans Dome and the Cherohala Skyway beats out Skyline Drive by a mile. You really cannot go wrong exploring the whole area.

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kenwanepento t1_j9dpy82 wrote

Going to Texas Beach with two 40s in my backpack

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RicTicTocs t1_j9dqmt9 wrote

Fall, Winter and Spring, in that order. Summer, not so much.

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resident16 t1_j9deu2n wrote

You get a little bit of everything here. Some bad, but mostly good. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

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spiirel t1_j9dqxvs wrote

It’s charming that we have so many accents unique to the commonwealth.

Also white sauce/salsa.

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parrisjd t1_j9dthc8 wrote

"Went down to momanem's haice yesterday." Love it! Edit: to the downvoters, I really do love this accent, not meant to offend.

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-jxw- t1_j9f9aqt wrote

I love VA and specifically Richmond because you get a bit of everything. I could get better mountains out west but then I’d have no ocean access. I could have better beaches in Florida or something, but then no mountains. I’m close to family, we don’t get horrible natural disasters, and I can fly anywhere in the world from Dulles. It’s not terribly expensive either. I love it here

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Spirited-Eye-2733 t1_j9h9a35 wrote

Ditto. I love the beach, but I also LOVE going to the mountains. I don’t feel like I need to travel out of state to get different experiences, or to meet people for a wide variety of backgrounds and beliefs.

Usually I travel out west to the mountains in the fall and winter. Travel to wineries (not quiet as far west) in the spring. Travel the VA east coast and 757 in the spring and summer.

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speakeasyow t1_j9f331i wrote

Short pump.

It’s got shopping.
Tree lined windy roads.
Great schools.
2 hours to dc.
2 hours to beach.
2 hours to blue ridge.
Almost no traffic.
4 seasons of weather.

Wife and I both work remote, short pump is our choice of anywhere in us

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Brave-Usual5133 t1_j9fio9h wrote

Totally admitting I am a snob for old or urban Richmond and short pump is just not for me, but at the same time I am impressed and glad that you find Short pump to be so attractive. And also as a snob Richmonder I have to ask where you are from originally, Nova maybe? 😉

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9g8jmm wrote

You two are so chill about agreeing to disagree on favorite area that I think y'all should meet on neutral ground in the Near West End fir a beer or a coffee. Maybe Libbie and Grove would be the ticket

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speakeasyow t1_j9fk0wy wrote

Saint Louis. Which is basically a Midwest Richmond

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SaltyTeam t1_j9dvkid wrote

Very centrally located.

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DeannaZone t1_j9e2kyd wrote

Compared to everywhere else in U.S. when calculating whether or not to move ... we finally decided, it is worth the humidity to stay.*

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reignthepain OP t1_j9ezap7 wrote

It’s not worth it or it is worth it to stay here in the humidity?

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DeannaZone t1_j9hu886 wrote

My apologies, sleep deprived, it is worth the humidity to stay. Also good ratings on a few other things, also we already know how much the cost range of stuff will be ... unlike others that we know who have moved and are going to areas they cannot afford even within VA itself, because the pricing is different. We can afford RVA and we decided we will stay in RVA. We will adjust as the economical impact adjusts here.

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The_Kentwood_Farms t1_j9f5cwk wrote

It's warmer and cheaper than the North, and not as batshit crazy as Florida

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DeviantAnthro t1_j9f7db7 wrote

The titty flag is by far the best thing about Virginia

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okcknight t1_j9fzg7q wrote

Blue Ridge Parkway (free) and Skyline Dr ($$ but worth) are pretty awesome. If you’re not in shape for hiking, they offer some pretty spectacular views.

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Lady-Meows-a-Lot t1_j9dkfov wrote

Arlington. (Downvote me to hell, I know. I probably deserve it. But I’m a simp for A-town.)

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spiirel t1_j9dqtkg wrote

Gröss. Unless you mean Galaxy Hut in which case okay but still judging you.

−4

Adhdpenguin813 t1_j9f44az wrote

I LOVE that we are the south, but have tons of northern influences. We’re right on the coast too. It makes a wonderful collection of people from all over.

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PilgrimRadio t1_j9fvjob wrote

I've been here since mid-October, so 4 months. My favorite thing is the James River specifically and just how pretty it is outside in general. With winter nearing the end and spring on the horizon I know there will be lots to do outdoors. It's pretty here.

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Praying_Lotus t1_j9h11ec wrote

I mean, if you live in RVA, it feels like there’s always something available to you. It also doesn’t feel too big or too small, at least to me, but just right. I think the only place I’ve come close to getting the same feeling is Charleston, in South Carolina, but it was a long time ago, so it could be a different city.

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rvamama804 t1_j9e0thp wrote

The people, the trees, the mountains, the beach, the proximity to other cool states.

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bbix246 t1_j9elnc3 wrote

We javelin the beaches and mountains. We have history. The state parks can't be beat for hiking and camping.

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VictorVonDoopressed t1_j9fd51j wrote

I love the location and cost of living. I particularly love Richmond as a city. But being able to drive up to NYC on a Friday for a little weekend getaway is amazing. And the drive is a breeze. Wake up and drive to DC for Breakfast, Philly for Lunch, and NYC for Dinner.

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WarmAppleNight t1_j9gtmx3 wrote

I fell in love with the natural beauty of the state. I'm originally from the Southwest, and when I first visited VA I was completely enchanted with how green and "alive" everything feels.

I also really appreciate being like, smack-dab in the middle of the Eastern Seaboard. There are countless road trip options that don't feel prohibitively inconvenient, and it's quick/easy to head to DC if I need to fly internationally.

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crankitup29 t1_j9gzmpa wrote

I remember driving into Virginia on my moped, from Pennsylvania. It was a warm summer night in August and the smell was delicious. It was a honeysuckle heavy petrichor and it just hit my sense of Virginia summer nostalgia.

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ChupacabraRVA t1_j9o0gcb wrote

The state parks are pretty underrated imo. Not all of them are winners but some of them are really great. Chesapeake bay is beautiful too. Aside from that. The sheer amount of history in the state is fantastic. No matter where you are, it’s hard to be too far from some great historic site.

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Capable-Site-301 t1_j9dw2mo wrote

Hampton Roads.

It's got everything you need, but feels like a small town. It may not be for everyone, but I personally love the slower pace of life.

Easy access to the beach, Great Dismal Swamp, Williamsburg, and Busch Gardens. And if you really want the bigger city experience, Richmond is about an hour away, and D.C. is 3 hours.

Plus, lots of seafood, and lots of fishing spots.

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goodsam2 t1_j9f7o4p wrote

To me I like having 4 full seasons without us being dumped on for winter or summer. Seems like my ideal climate has moved north somewhat but Virginia was pretty good for a couple of decent snows and didn't get as hot as it is further south.

Kind of in the middle temperature wise while experiencing it all. In New York their winters are absolutely brutal and in the summer the south is unbearable.

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9g91ch wrote

I like that its the eastern Virginia and not the Western one. Just kidding, West Virginians. I love visiting your state!

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LookoutRock t1_j9hkbdl wrote

The Appalachian (“apple-at-chin”) Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, traversing 2,100+ miles through 14 states, and 500 of those miles are in Virginia, more than any other state, so we have that goin’ for us…which is nice.

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TheProdigalBootycall t1_j9lyw79 wrote

It’s safe, affluent by national standards, functional, has a lot of nature, and people are generally good people at the end of the day.

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Farmerjoerva t1_j9dieae wrote

Tank day Wu tang Clan ain’t nothing to f with.

0

SadValleyThrowaway t1_j9fawdu wrote

Good mix of political ideologies. Former red state that hasn’t been completely overtaken by blue yet. I think all states should be purple.

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swizzledaddy t1_j9du2qw wrote

I love Virginia because of the people. They are slow to let you in (and they're kind of smug assholes in that phase) but they are fun, caring, and giving afterwards.

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DamILuvFrogs t1_j9ex3i7 wrote

Nothing. Colorado is much better. Year round.

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Busy-Researcher-75 t1_j9f8o70 wrote

Then leave. Bye

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DamILuvFrogs t1_j9f974r wrote

Trying to. Believe me. This place is a trap and a hell hole all in one.

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Busy-Researcher-75 t1_j9fgqfi wrote

Seriously, why do you feel this way? Are you from Colorado? I’ve never been. Going this summer

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DamILuvFrogs t1_j9fl3ep wrote

Colorado is a dry climate, so the hotter summer and colder winters don’t feel nearly as extreme at Virginia’s seasons do. The scenery is beautiful. The people are nicer. Deer in the mountains will literally eat out of your hand. I can’t stand the humidity here. The river is disgusting here. Colorado spring water and lakes in the mountains have every single natural body of water in Virginia beat by a long shot. So it comes down to. Weather/seasons. People. And the scenery. Just all are so much better imo. I lived out there for years. I’ve lived here for years. And I’d choose Colorado everyday of the week. But most of my moms side of the family is here and my dad is in Colorado, my dads side of the family is in west Va and Texas and Pennsylvania. I’ve been all over the country. Colorado is by far my favorite place in the states.

Edit. You’re going to love Colorado. Safe travels!

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Busy-Researcher-75 t1_j9flk27 wrote

Thank you. My favorite so far in the Pacific North West. Portland, Oregon to Seattle.

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DamILuvFrogs t1_j9florh wrote

Never been to Oregon but I had a friend move there a few years back and he posts a lot of scenery pictures. Seems to love it. Looks beautiful. Very green.

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Busy-Researcher-75 t1_j9g068j wrote

That’s why I love the PNW. It’s very green. Beautiful scenery and water. Seattle has incedibile seafood.

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DamILuvFrogs t1_j9g0c76 wrote

I’m not real big on seafood I won’t lie. However I do enjoy some good fishing. I just usually give all my fish to whoever brought me out on their boat.

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